What are the building codes for a fireplace mantel?

• <div><p>There are fire codes for a fireplace mantel made of wood or other combustible material. The mantel must be mounted at least six inches away from the fireplace opening on all sides with a non-combustible material—like stone or brick—installed between the mantel and fireplace. Building codes and regulations will vary based on your location, so before beginning the project, research the requirements in your area.</p></div>

Do electric fireplaces give off a lot of heat?

• <div><p>Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces. </p></div>

Are elm trees good for firewood?

• <div><p>Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.</p><p>Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.</p></div>

Get matched with top fireplace pros in Spruce, MI

Q: Do you need a flue or chimney cap?

• <div><p>If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.</p></div>

Q: What is the top cause of house fires?

• <div><p>According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), the leading cause of house fires is cooking accidents, followed by fires started by heating equipment. Electrical issues are the third most common cause of house fires. The best way to keep your home protected is to use caution when cooking and never leave a stove or oven unattended while in use. You can also keep up with chimney cleaning and avoid using space heaters to reduce the risk.</p></div>

Q: Are elm trees good for firewood?

• <div><p>Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce&mdash;which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke&mdash;elm isn&rsquo;t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.</p><p>Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn&rsquo;t a bad choice overall.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Fireplace Service pros in Spruce, MI

*The Angi rating for Fireplace Service companies in Spruce, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Fireplace Service companies in Spruce, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Fireplace Service needs.

Last update on April 27, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
The team was Alex and Jose and they were professional and experienced. They installed a French drain, sump pump, dehumidifier and encapsulation of the full crawl. Great job!
Foundation Systems of Michigan
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Reviewed in June 2025
When we hired Bathworks to remove the existing shower and install a new shower that had a floor pan that was lower to the ground and a shower that was alot bigger, we knew that we were hiring the best professionals we could find. The new walls for the shower extend up over 6 feet. They also...
Bathworks of Michigan, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
This is an awesome team of 4 who came on a preset time, as there were 3 tall pine trees, they were here most of the day. When they left, all remnants of the trees were removed, the area cleared of all tree debris. The trees were so large that they were able to salvage some for milling! They...
McFadden Tree & Stump Removal
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Reviewed in April 2023
He did an excellent job cleaning the windows
Preston Enterprises
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Reviewed in November 2022
Wonderful people that care about the health of their clients. I highly recommend them to all!
SGS Environmental and CERI
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Reviewed in June 2022
Lucious Frazier did a great job on the gutters!
Fraziers Gets It Done
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Reviewed in August 2021
They did a great job. House and garage was soft washed, roofs treated and washed, windows also. Decks power washed and sealed. Little paint came off the house. Not their fault, but they offered to take a paint chip, get the paint and come back to touch it up. Would hire again.
ThunderBay Pressure Washing & More
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Reviewed in June 2021
Gauthier provided excellent service from start to finish! They were extremely professional and responsive to all of my questions and did a great job with the install. They also went above and beyond to make sure everything was working correctly. I highly recommend Gauthier for all of your HVAC...
Gauthier Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in May 2021
Scott did a beautiful job refinishing my wood staircase
Impressive Flooring
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Reviewed in March 2021
Bob and Matt were fantastic to work with. Matt took my design sketch and transformed it into a great plan. Most of the contractors they brought in were also top notch. They accommodated a late change request without hesitation. They were easy to work with, especially since I wanted to do some of...
Butterson Construction, LLC
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Find Fireplace pros in Spruce

Shamrock Maintenance Corp.

4.5(

)

Serving Spruce, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Chuck arrived with a helper and explained everything to us. He cleaned the chimney and left us with some estimates for potential work. He was knowledgeable and pleasant. I would use him again."

+31

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

349 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Northern Michigan Handyman

5.0(

)

Serving Spruce, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Drew is a great guy with a wide range of skills. He did some electrical work on outdoor plugins, put steel siding on an old shed, and did tuckpointing and surface sealing on a huge old barn built in the 40s, built a new livestock door for the barn, and installed a storm door. We've got plans for LVT flooring and shed roofing for 2026. Hire him. You won't be disappointed. He's an honest guy who's always cheerful, reliable, helpful and focused on getting the job done right."

+22

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

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All American Chimneys

New to Angi

Serving Spruce, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

All American Chimneys is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!

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Homes Outdoor Services

New to Angi

Serving Spruce, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a full service outdoor company, specializing in Lawn care, Landscaping, Excavating, Irrigation, Retaining walls, Marine construction, Snow removal, Power washing, and more! We have industry experience since the 1990's and we are a Family Owned-Operated company. We offer a 5% discount for military, first responders, and teachers. Thank you for your interest.

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Fireplaces questions, answered by experts

If you have a chimney, you need a flue or chimney cap. The right covering keeps rain, debris, and animals from getting into your flue or chimney and causing damage. A flue or chimney cap also provides fire protection. The mesh insert around the cap keeps sparks from flying out of the chimney and igniting leaves and other materials.

There are fire codes for a fireplace mantel made of wood or other combustible material. The mantel must be mounted at least six inches away from the fireplace opening on all sides with a non-combustible material—like stone or brick—installed between the mantel and fireplace. Building codes and regulations will vary based on your location, so before beginning the project, research the requirements in your area.

Electric fireplaces give off more heat than you might think. Because they don’t lose heat through a ventilation system, which is required for wood-burning and gas fireplaces, they’re able to disperse more heat into the room. However, many electric fireplaces are limited to a max of 5,000 or 5,200 BTU heat output, and you can get more from traditional fireplaces.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), the leading cause of house fires is cooking accidents, followed by fires started by heating equipment. Electrical issues are the third most common cause of house fires. The best way to keep your home protected is to use caution when cooking and never leave a stove or oven unattended while in use. You can also keep up with chimney cleaning and avoid using space heaters to reduce the risk.

Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.

Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.

The Spruce, MI homeowners’ guide to fireplace services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Tyler Lacoma
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Installation Cost? [2026 Data]
The average fireplace installation cost is $2,438, but prices vary depending on the type and size of the fireplace. Calculate your costs with our guide.
Haley Nothstein
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does Fireplace Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Use our guide to estimate your fireplace repair costs, based on the type of fireplace you have—and what part is broken.
Lyle Hendriks
•
Apr 4, 2026Apr 4, 2026
How Much Does a Fireplace Insert Cost? [2026 Data]
Many homeowners upgrade their old fireplace with inserts to get more heat and save energy and money. Learn more about the cost of installing a fireplace insert.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
11 Parts of a Fireplace You Should Know
There are many working parts of a fireplace, and a basic understanding of their functions can help homeowners properly maintain all of them over time.
Julissa Arangure
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
3 Ways to Mount Your Fireplace and How to Choose the Right One For Your Home
Find out about the different ways to mount a fireplace and determine which type is right for your space. Because everyone needs warm, cozy vibes in their home.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Apr 8, 2026Apr 8, 2026
Can You Install a Fireplace Without a Chimney?
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.